Sale on the cards for The Albion …

The former Albion Leisure Centre building in Ilkeston, which has been up for sale for around nine months, looks set to be sold to local company Ward Recycling.

Erewash Borough Council put the building on the market earlier this year after a review identified it as surplus to requirements along with the nearby former sauna building on East Street.

At a Full Council meeting last night (12 October), councillors agreed to accept the highest offer from Ward Recycling for the buildings – and also agreed the sale of the Albion extension car park to a new company owned by the De Savary family.

Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“We are delighted that the sale of this site is now moving forward. It is right in the heart of Ilkeston and, looking at the wider economic view, it is a very positive move as the council, and our partners, continue the drive to regenerate the town centre. It will be good to see the site brought back into full use and that is good news for the town.

“This is also another clear demonstration of how we have worked hard as a council over the last few years to review where savings can be made. These are financially challenging times for local authorities and we will continue to review where we can make efficiency savings across all service areas.”

Albion Leisure Centre opened in 1986 and closed in August 2008 when it was operating at a significant financial loss and an over supply of leisure facilities in Ilkeston had been identified following the opening of Rutland Sports Park.

Derbyshire Districts Citizens’ Advice Bureau was based in the centre but moved to its new premises at Castledine House, Heanor Road in Ilkeston last month. It has also been used for Erewash Museum storage and the council is now in the process of moving the items to be professionally stored at its Merlin Way site in Ilkeston.